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I chewed and swallowed. “I do. He’s . . . well . . . he’s perfect.”
Naomi laughed. “Oh, honey, no man is perfect. But tell me why you like him and why you didn’t tell me about him.”
I twirled some of my hair. “I’m sorry. I wanted to, but it seemed too good to be true. Honestly, I still can’t believe that he likes me.”
“Why wouldn’t he like you?”
“Don’t tell me you didn’t look him up and research him.”
She flashed me a guilty smile. “He’s very handsome and accomplished.”
“Definitely not my type. Though, honestly, I don’t have a type unless you count the host of Confessions of a Forensic Pathologist. The cute, nerdy type.”
“Who’s also a lot older than you. I’m beginning to think older men are your type,” she teased me.
I set my cookie down and rested my head on her desk. “Are you going to tell me I have daddy issues now?”
“No. I was going to say there’s a change in you. A good one. I see it in your eyes and the way you carry yourself.”
My head popped up. “Kane is helping me see myself. Think about myself.”
“I like him already.”
“You would like him. He’s intelligent and driven. But a lot of fun. He knows all the best places in Atlanta.”
Naomi reached across the desk, and I gave her my hand. “I’m glad you’re having a good summer. With that said, your father wants to make sure you’re using birth control.”
I choked on my own spit and began to cough violently.
Naomi jumped up, flew around her desk, and began to pat my back. “Are you okay?”
I got my coughing fit under control and took a deep breath in and out. I couldn’t believe Auggie thought I was having sex.
Naomi knelt next to me, concern in her eyes. “Are you having sex?” she hesitantly asked.
“No.”
Her entire body relaxed.
“I’m not ready for that step.” I put her mind at ease.
She patted my knee. “Good. You have your entire life ahead of you. And I know this is going to sound old fashioned, but when the time comes, make sure it’s with someone you love and who’s committed to you. It will make your life a whole lot easier, believe me. Sex is the most powerful force on earth, and if you’re not careful, it can destroy you.”
That was quite the statement. I wasn’t sure I would have believed her yesterday, but after feeling what Kane’s kisses did to my body, I had no doubt she spoke the truth. “I’ll wait for the right person,” I promised her. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine sharing my body like that with anyone right now. Not even Kane. I needed to be all the way comfortable with me. Besides, I have goals, too. And honestly, I hadn’t ever been sure sex was in the cards for me, seeing as I had little to no experience with men. And maybe I was old fashioned, too, because I’d always thought if it ever did happen, it would be with the person I was meant to marry.
“Your father will be happy to hear that.” She stood.
“Do you really need to tell him that?” I was annoyed and admittedly embarrassed that Auggie thought Kane and I were sleeping together. Sure, Kane was probably a professional at it . . . I mean, not a paid professional because that would be illegal, but you know what I mean.
Naomi thought for a moment. “You’re right; it’s none of your father’s business, though I’ve never heard him so worried about you. The fact that he called me says it all.”
They hadn’t spoken in years. I think the last time they’d seen each other was at my high school graduation.
“I don’t understand why he’s decided to take an interest in me all of a sudden.”
She squeezed my hand. “Honey, can’t you see how afraid he is of losing you to another man?”
“It’s been a few dates. I don’t think Kane is thinking long term.” Though that did sound amazing.
“That may be, but your father knows eventually there will be a man who will think exactly that. Augustus, for all his failings, can’t stand the thought of losing you.”
If only that were true. My eyes pricked with tears. “How can you defend him after the way he treated you?”
“Same reason you’re interning for him and plan to specialize in the wrong field of pathology.”
I wiped at a few tears that had escaped my eyes. “Why do we love him?”
She wrapped her arms around me. “Because, honey, once in a while we get glimpses of who he really is, and it’s incredible.” She spoke so reverently.
“Do you still have hope for the two of you?”
She leaned away, her eyes wide. “I would be a fool to.”
“Are you a fool?” I asked with a smile.
“A big one.” She stood and straightened her lab coat. “Anyway, I won’t tell your father about your sex life. If he wants to know, he can ask you.”
